Does the Hylian Shield Break? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, the Hylian Shield, despite its legendary status and incredible durability, can break in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) and Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK). It’s not indestructible, but it is significantly more robust than any other shield in either game. While the idea of such an iconic item breaking might seem disheartening, knowing how it works, how to get it back, and its limitations is crucial for any aspiring hero of Hyrule. This article will delve into the details of the Hylian Shield’s durability, how it can break, and what you can do if it does.
The Durability of the Hylian Shield
The Hylian Shield isn’t just another piece of equipment; it’s a testament to Hylian craftsmanship. In both BOTW and TOTK, it boasts impressive stats that make it a must-have item. It has a defense rating of 90, making it the most protective shield available. Furthermore, it’s also equipped with very high durability, meaning it can withstand a multitude of attacks before finally succumbing to damage.
How Many Hits Can it Take?
The precise number of hits the Hylian Shield can endure varies depending on the attack’s strength. In Breath of the Wild, the shield has a durability of 800. This means that theoretically, it can take 800 hits from an attack that deals less than 90 damage. However, stronger attacks will diminish this durability much faster. For instance, a Guardian Blast inflicts severe damage, and the Hylian Shield, if unblemished, can typically withstand around 27 Guardian blasts before breaking. If the shield has taken damage before, even a single strong attack can be enough to shatter it.
The Myth of Unbreakable
Despite its incredible resilience, it’s important to emphasize that the Hylian Shield is not unbreakable. Some players often assume it has infinite durability, especially due to its legendary status. This is not the case, and even a shield as formidable as the Hylian Shield will eventually break down under sustained damage.
What Happens When the Hylian Shield Breaks?
Losing the Hylian Shield is frustrating, but it isn’t the end of the world. Fortunately, both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer ways to get it back.
Retrieving the Hylian Shield in BOTW
In Breath of the Wild, once the shield breaks, it’s gone from your inventory. To obtain a new one, you’ll need to visit Granté in Tarrey Town. Granté runs a shop where you can repurchase unique items you’ve lost or broken, and the Hylian Shield is among them. However, you must have initially found the Hylian Shield in Hyrule Castle Lockup before being able to buy a replacement for 3,000 Rupees.
Retrieving the Hylian Shield in TOTK
Tears of the Kingdom has a similar system but with a slight twist. After your Hylian Shield breaks, you can obtain another one, but you need to unlock access to a shop. You will have to travel to Hateno Village and complete the “Mayoral Election” side adventure by assisting both Cece and the incumbent mayor in their election bid. After that, Cece will run a shop where you can purchase a replacement Hylian Shield for the same price as in Breath of the Wild.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Hylian Shield, providing further insight into this iconic item:
1. Is the Hylian Shield the strongest shield in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, without a doubt, the Hylian Shield is the strongest shield in Tears of the Kingdom. Its base defense of 90 makes it superior to all other shields in the game.
2. Where do you find the Hylian Shield in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Hylian Shield can be found by traveling to the Hyrule Castle Docks. Players will need to cross the Hyrule Castle Moat north of Castle Town Prison to get to it.
3. Can you repair the Hylian Shield?
No, you cannot directly repair the Hylian Shield. Instead, once it breaks, you must buy a replacement from a special vendor.
4. How many Guardian blasts can the Hylian Shield withstand?
An undamaged Hylian Shield can usually withstand around 27 Guardian blasts before breaking. If it has sustained damage previously, it could break with just one blast.
5. Can Ganon break the Hylian Shield?
Yes, Ganon can break the Hylian Shield, particularly his Gloom attacks in the final phase of the fight in Tears of the Kingdom can obliterate multiple Hylian Shields.
6. Is there only one Hylian Shield in Tears of the Kingdom?
While you can only initially find one Hylian Shield, it is possible to get replacements after it breaks by completing quests and visiting the right shops.
7. What is the “Absurdly Sturdy Shield” mentioned in some guides?
The “Absurdly Sturdy Shield” is an early title for the Hylian Shield. It’s sometimes given in a Boss Rush mode in certain versions of Breath of the Wild.
8. How many Lynel hits can the Hylian Shield take?
The Hylian Shield can take up to 800 hits from weaker enemies. But a Golden Lynel’s attacks in BOTW deal 60 damage which will break it sooner.
9. Is the Master Sword unbreakable?
The Master Sword cannot be broken in the traditional sense. It has a cooldown when it runs out of energy, but it will always recharge.
10. Are there any unbreakable shields in Breath of the Wild?
There are no truly unbreakable shields in Breath of the Wild. However, the Hylian Shield comes the closest, due to its high durability.
11. Why is the Hylian Shield so valuable?
The Hylian Shield’s high defense (90) and exceptional durability make it the most valuable shield in the game.
12. Can the Hylian Shield respawn?
Yes, the Hylian Shield can respawn, but not in its original location. You will need to purchase a replacement.
13. Is there a Hylian Set bonus?
The Hylian Set armor does not have any set bonuses. It is purely for defensive purposes.
14. Can you make the Hylian Shield unbreakable?
No, you cannot make the Hylian Shield unbreakable. However, you can obtain a replacement when it breaks.
15. Is there a Dark Hylian Shield?
Yes, a Dark Hylian Shield can be crafted from a Corrupt Hylian Shield at a Terminan Forge or Ancient Enchanter in a modified gameplay experience.
Conclusion
The Hylian Shield is undoubtedly a crucial piece of gear for any player of The Legend of Zelda. While it’s not invincible, its remarkable durability and high defense make it the best shield in the game. Knowing that it can break, and how to obtain replacements, ensures you’re always ready for the challenges that Hyrule has to offer. So, wield your shield with pride, but remember that even the legendary Hylian Shield needs to be handled with care, or at least the awareness that you may need to buy a new one.